Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Courtney Lee wants to join the team in Orlando for the “bubble” games despite the fact that the Mavs' veteran won't be playing, per Marc Stein of the New York Times.
Lee suffered a calf injury during the NBA's hiatus and underwent season-ending surgery.
The Mavs, led by All-Stars Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, have already clinched a playoff spot for the 2020 postseason. The “bubble” games at Walt Disney World will begin on July 30.
Lee suffered his significant calf injury in a “freak accident.” The Mavs signed point guard Trey Burke after starting center Willie Cauley-Stein told the team he won't be partaking in the “bubble” games since he and his partner are expecting a child soon.
Lee appeared in 24 games for the Mavs before games were suspended in March. He averaged 4.5 points and 1.3 rebounds while shooting 48.8 percent from the floor, 44.7 percent from beyond the arc and 85.7 percent from the free-throw line.
The Mavs acquired Lee in 2018-19 from the New York Knicks in the blockbuster Porzingis trade. The combo guard becomes an unrestricted free agent whenever the 2020 offseason period officially begins.
Dallas' first game during the seeding contests is against the Houston Rockets. It will take place on July 31 at 8:00 pm central time.
Courtney Lee, who began his NBA career with the Orlando Magic, has career pro averages of 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 811 games with the Magic, New Jersey Nets, Rockets, Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets, Knicks and Mavs.